Cytotoxic agent containment kit

Abstract

A cytotoxic agent containment kit is disclosed which has a top enclosure member and bottom enclosure member that are hingedly connected much like a brief case. The bottom enclosure member has a sealable, nonpermeable container for drugs and another for holding waste such as empty drug containers and used hypodermic needles. A removable tray is provided which acts as a work surface for preparing the drugs for administration. The contents of the kit including the tray and containers can be disposed of after use, and the outer case reused. The kit's nonpermeable construction helps insure that persons handling it will not be accidentally exposed to the cytotoxic agents that it contains.

We claim: 
     
       1. A disposable containment kit for drugs, including: a bottom enclosure member;   a top enclosure member which is hingedly connected at one edge to the bottom enclosure, whereby the top enclosure and bottom enclosure can be closed to define a sealed enclosure;   a sealable, substantially leakproof drug container which is impermeable to liquid and located within the enclosure defined by the top enclosure member and the bottom enclosure member and is capable of holding drugs and apparatus needed to administer the drugs;   a sealable waste container which is impermeable to liquid and located within the enclosure defined by the top enclosure member and the bottom enclosure member and is capable of holding used drug containers and apparatus;   at least one storage compartment which is located in the bottom enclosure;   a removable tray which is adapted to rest on top of the storage compartment, and which can be removed to provide an aseptic work surface on which to prepare drugs for administration; and   at least one absorbent pad on the removable tray;   which absorbent pad covers the upper surface of the tray and is removable from the tray, and which absorbent pad contains a chemical reagent which changes in color when a selected drug contacts it.   
     
     
       2. A cytotoxic agent containment kit, including: a rectangular bottom enclosure member which is impermeable to liquid and has spaces for a drug container and a waste container, and at least one storage compartment which is located beside the drug container and waste container;   a rectangular top enclosure member which is impermeable to liquid and hingedly connected at one edge to the bottom enclosure, whereby the top enclosure and bottom enclosure can be closed to define a sealed enclosure;   a releasable latch to hold the bottom enclosure and top enclosure in a mutually sealed position;   a sealable drug container which is impermeable to liquid and comprises a rectangular box with an open top, a top lid which can be closed to seal the container, and a latch to secure the top lid in the closed position;   a sealable waste container which is impermeable to liquid and comprises a rectangular box with an open top, a top lid which can be closed to seal the container, and a latch to secure the top lid in the closed position;   at least one storage compartment which is located in the bottom enclosure;   a rectangular, removable, horizontal tray which is adapted to rest on top of the storage compartment in the bottom enclosure, and provides an aseptic, horizontal work surface on which to prepare drugs for administration; and   at least one absorbent pad on the removable tray   which absorbent pad covers the upper surface of the tray and is removable from the tray, and which absorbent pad contains a chemical reagent which changes in color when a selected drug contacts it.   
     
     
       3. A cytotoxic agent containment kit, including: a rectangular, nonpermeable bottom enclosure member which has a rectangular base and four rectangular side walls, the base being divided into a first zone and a second zone, with the two zones being divided by a vertical wall;   a rectangular, nonpermeable top enclosure member which has a rectangular lid and four rectangular side walls, one edge of one side wall being hingedly connected to a corresponding side wall of the bottom enclosure;   a releasable latch to hold the bottom enclosure and top enclosure together in a closed position;   a sealable, nonpermeable drug container in the form of a rectangular box with an open top, the container resting in the first zone of the bottom enclosure, the container further having a latchable top lid and a latch to secure the top lid in the closed position;   a sealable, nonpermeable waste container in the form of a rectangular box with an open top, the container resting in the first zone of the bottom enclosure, the container further having a latchable top lid and a latch to secure the top lid in the closed position, and the container including a repository for used needles;   a plurality of storage compartments in the second zone of the bottom enclosure, the storage compartments being defined by side walls of the bottom enclosure and at least one internal vertical wall, the storage compartments being open at their tops; and   a removable, horizontal tray which rests on top of the storage compartments and covers the second zone of the bottom enclosure, and which provides an aseptic, horizontal work surface on which to prepare drugs for administration.   
     
     
       4. The kit of claim 3, further including a handle for carrying the kit. 
     
     
       5. The kit of claim 3, where the drug container is thermally insulated. 
     
     
       6. The kit of claim 3, further comprising a plurality of absorbent pads on the removable tray. 
     
     
       7. The kit of claim 6, where the absorbent pads are individually removable from the tray. 
     
     
       8. The kit of claim 6, where each absorbent pad contains a chemical reagent which changes in color when a selected drug contacts it.